Embedded Files
Studying in Australia/ New Zealand
Overview
Australia is the 3rd most popular international student destination in the world. Australian cities are consistently voted in the top 10 of the world's safest and most livable cities. Australia is an English-speaking multi-cultural country where more than 50% were born overseas.
Many Australian universities have intakes in both semester 1 (March) and semester 2 (July), however, semester 2 entry can be limited at some institutions and for particular courses, and even for some categories of students. Faculty Admissions Committees often set specific subject requirements and selection procedures relating to particular degree courses. You may apply for direct entry into Law or Medicine. A standard university degree is 3 years - although it may be 4 years at some.
Notes for citizens:
Domestic students are those who hold citizenship or permanent residency of Australia or citizenship of New Zealand. Cheaper tuition fees.
Notes for non-citizens:
For information about Australian government requirements see www.immi.gov.au
Student VISAS - www.australian-universities.com/australian-student-visa.php
Application process and requirements
Australian universities operate separate admissions procedures for domestic and international students.
Application Components
Diploma: Prefer IB diploma, although some may consider U.S. diploma with scores from AP or SAT. You can always do a foundation year.
Testing: IB, Plus Law www.lnat.ac.uk and Medicine: www.bmat.org.uk
Language proficiency: Prefer the IELTS, but may take TOEFL
Application Deadlines
Although some courses at some institutions operate strict quotas (and particular application procedures will apply) most courses operate on a “rolling” admissions basis in that selection decisions are made as applications from international students are received.
*Note: Major changes are underway in some Australian universities so certain traditions may change.
College Entrance Testing Information - SAT/ACT /TOEFL/IELTS
Application Portals
Australian citizens
Australian citizens and permanent residents applying for Australian university courses are required to apply through the tertiary admissions centre in the state in which they plan to study (for example, the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre).
Tertiary Admissions Centres (Australian citizens and permanent residents only):
New South Wales – University Admissions Centre (UAC) www.uac.edu.au
Queensland – Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) www.qtac.edu.au
South Australia – South Aus. Tertiary Adms. Centre (SATAC) www.satac.edu.au
Western Australia – Tertiary Institutions Service Centre (TISC) www.tisc.edu.au
Victoria – Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC) www.vtac.edu.au
International students: http://idp.studylink.com.au/
Scholarships and Financial Aid information
See particular universities for information.
Finding Schools
http://www.gooduniversitiesguide.com.au
http://www.studyinaustralia.gov.au
http://www.australianuniversities.com.au
http://www.studiesinaustralia.com
Studying in Canada
Overview
Studying in Canada offers a wide variety of opportunities for Canadian citizens as well as international students. As of 2022, there were 97 universities in Canada, six of which are ranked in the world's top 100. Most undergraduate courses of study can be completed in either 3 or 4-year programmes. Canada has very favorable work permit and residency regulations for international students that extend beyond their undergraduate studies.
Application process and requirements
Applications are available online. To apply to schools in the province of Ontario, you can apply through the portal Ontario University Application Center (OUAC)
Other universities can be applied to directly through their websites. Application fees are typically around $CA100. There is less emphasis on extracurricular activities within the application, but rather strong grades with the appropriate pre-requisite high school courses.
Application Components
Transcript (including 1st semester of Grade 12)
Predicted IB grades (January)
English Proficiency score - TOEFL/ IELTS
*waivers are usually given if the applicant has studied in high school with English instruction for a certain number of years)
SAT/ACT scores (for applicants who are not completing the full IB Diploma)
Some applications contain short answer questions as well.
Application Deadlines
Application deadlines are typically between January to March.
Admission offers are typically released between February to May.
College Entrance Testing Information - SAT/ACT
In most, if not all cases, students DO NOT need an SAT score to apply if they are doing the FULL IB Diploma.
However, an SAT score is required for partial IB Diploma/Certificate students.
Finding Schools
The following sites can be used to research schools that could be a potential fit:
BridgeU through ACS Doha student account
Ontario Universities' Application Centre
https://www.studyincanada.com/
https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-colleges
http://www.schoolsincanada.com
Studying in Europe
General Europe Information
http://www.eunicas.co.uk/index.php/eunicas/search.html
https://europeanuniversities.eu/new/home
Denmark
http://www.optagelse.dk/admission/#
Finland
http://www.studyinfinland.fi/home
France
http://www.campusfrance.org/en
http://www.enseignementsup-recherche.gouv.fr/
Germany
http://anabin.kmk.org/anabin-datenbank.html
Holland
https://www.tilburguniversity.edu/education/bachelors-programs/admissionrequirements/numerus-fixus/
Ireland
http://www.irelandeducationguide.com
Italy
Norway
http://www.studyinnorway.no/Study-in-Norway
Spain
https://spanishstudies.org/best-universities-in-spain-international-students/
Sweden
https://www.universityadmissions.se/intl/start
https://studyinsweden.se/universities/
Switzerland
Studying in Holland
Overview
Why study in Holland?
1. There are 2,100 + programmes in English
Dutch universities offer the largest number of English-taught programmes in continental Europe. Also, 95% of the Dutch speak English, so it’s easy to communicate in daily life. Find your study programme
2. Get high quality education and value for your money
The quality of Dutch institutions is well-recognised. The tuition fees and cost of living are considerably lower than in English-speaking countries.
Also, there are lots of scholarship opportunities.
Strong, worldwide reputation in a number of disciplines:
- Watermanagement/engineering (study opportunities, Delta Works, dikes, creating land ‘inpolderen’, living with the water in a country below sea level etc.
- Design – Dutch design, architecture
- International law/justice, International Court of Justice, Joegoslavië tribunaal etc.)
Quality assurance:
- National system of regulation and quality assurance
- Ministry of Education is responsible for legislation on education
- NVAO is responsible for the accreditation of degree programmes. Students will only receive their diploma upon completion of an accredited degree programme
- Code of Conduct for Dutch higher education institutions – standards for Dutch higher education institutions in their dealings with international students
Leading in international scientific research:
- Holland is continental Europe’s leader in international scientific research:
- Holland is second in the world in the number of publications per researcher
- Holland ranks 2nd worldwide in the impact of research publications
- Holland offers a large variety of research fields
- High quality of Dutch Research Universities – 13 appear in the World’s Top 200 ranking (THE)
3. Develop valuable skills and be more successful
The Dutch teaching style is interactive and student-centred. Studying in Holland means developing your own opinion, an open mind, and increasing your international orientation. You will develop valuable skills such as analysing, solving practical problems, and creative thinking.
4. Be part of an international community
Holland’s many international students come from 190 different countries. Dutch society is strongly connected to other cultures, the business community and the world. The Dutch are open-minded and direct, so it is easy to meet them and exchange ideas.
5. Live in one of the safest and happiest countries in the world
Holland is one of the safest countries in the world, according to the 2016 Global Peace index and belongs to the top 10 happiest countries in the world. Read more about the good Dutch standard of living in the OECD’s Better Life Index.
6. Have the rest of Europe at your doorstep
An international trip is just around the corner. In just three hours you can be in Paris. London and Berlin are just a five or six hour train ride away. Holland is the gateway to Europe!
7. Get plenty of international career opportunities
Holland is the 17th largest economy in the world. Some of the world’s biggest multinationals, including Philips, Heineken, KLM, Shell, ING and Unilever, are Dutch. Holland is a world leader in many areas of expertise, including agriculture, water management, art & design, logistics and sustainable energy.
The Dutch government wants to attract knowledge and retain talent. International graduates can therefore apply for a residence permit of one year to find a job, or start a business within three years of graduation.
*above adapted from NUFFIC - Study in Holland
Finding Schools
https://www.tilburguniversity.edu/education/bachelors-programs/admissionrequirements/numerus-fixus/
Additional Resources
Information on Tuition Fee Loan for European Students
Culture Shock (Stuff Dutch People Like)
Studying in Qatar
Universities in Qatar
AFG College with the University of Aberdeen (Scotland) – Accountancy & Finance, Business Management, Business Management & Legal Studies, Business Management & Information Systems, Business Management & International Relations
[Application Deadline: 1 September for Fall; 31 December for Spring entry]
Al Rayyan International University College (with University of Derby) – International Business Management (BSc), International Hospitality Management (BA), International Tourism Management (BA)
[Application Deadline: see website]
CUC Ulster University (Ireland) – BTEC Higher National Diploma (HND); International Foundation (Diploma); Artificial Intelligence, Business Studies, Business Analytics, Business with Computing, Computer Science
[Application Deadline: see website]
Community College of Qatar – Various programs
[Application Deadline: see website]
Lusail University – [Arabic curriculum]: Business Administration, Counseling & Mental Health, Human
Resources Management, Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Insurance & Risk Management, Law,
Management, Marketing, Political Science, Supply Chain Management; [French curriculum]: Law; [English
curriculum]: Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, Digital Game Design & Development, Supply Chain
Management, Teaching English Language
[Application Deadline: see website]
MIE-Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) (India) – Banking & Finance, Computer Science, Economics,
Entrepreneurship, International Accounting, Management, Psychology
[Application Deadline: see website]
Northumbria University QFBA (UK) – Finance & Investment Management (BSc), International Banking &
Finance (BSc);
[Application Deadline: see website]
Oryx Universal College (with Liverpool John Moores) – Civil Engineering (BSc), Computer Science (BSc),
Human Resource Management (BA), Mechanical Engineering (BEng), Quantity Surveying (BSc), Software
Engineering (BSc)
[ Application Deadline: see website]
Qatar Aeronautical Academy – Aircraft Maintenance, Air Traffic Control, Aviation Mgt, Meteorology, Pilot Training
[Application Deadline: see website]
Qatar University – Various programs
[Application Deadline: see website]
University of Calgary (Canada) – Nursing
[Application Deadline: admissions suspended indefinitely]
University of Doha for Science & Technology – Various programs
[Application Deadline: see website]
University Foundation College – UK university preparatory programmes
[Application Deadline: see website]
Qatar Foundation
Academic Bridge Program – Pre-university based program (American based curriculum)
[Application Deadline: 1 July for Fall; 31 December for Spring entry]
Carnegie Mellon University (USA) – Biological Sciences, Business Administration, Computer Science,
Information Systems
[Application Deadline: Early Decision – 1 November; Regular Decision – 1 February]
Georgetown University (USA) – International Relations, Foreign Service
[Application Deadline: 1 February]
Global Studies Institute (USA)
[Application Deadline: see website]
- SUNY Adirondack - Associate Degrees (various programs) – Cybersecurity, Liberal Arts
- BS in Engineering Management Systems
- BS in Digital Innovation
Hamad bin Khalifa University – Computer Engineering (UG) & Graduate studies
[Application Deadline: 1 May]
Northwestern University (USA) – Communications, Journalism
[Application Deadlines: Early Action – 1 Nov; Regular Decision – 1 Jan;
Transfer (ABP Students) – 1 February]
Texas A&M University (USA) – Chemical Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Mechanical
Engineering, Petroleum Engineering
[Application Deadline: 1 March]
Virginia Commonwealth University (USA) – Art History, Fashion Design, Graphic Design, Interior Design, Painting & Printmaking
[Application Deadline: 15 January]
Weill Cornell Medical College (USA) – Doctor of Medicine
[Application Deadline: 1 February; Materials due: 15 February]
*The application process for many Qatar Foundation schools is similar to the admissions process for the U.S. Please visit the Studying in the U.S. tab for more general information regarding the application process and requirements.
As always, the website for the specific university will have the most accurate information for their admissions process and application requirements.
Military Colleges
For Admission visit https://upc.moi.gov.qa/
Ahmed bin Mohammed Military College – Accounting, Chinese, Computer Science, Computer Information Systems, Cybersecurity, International Relations, Law, Logistics & Supply Chain Management, Management, Persian, Russian
Al Zaeem Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Attiyah Air Academy –
Joan Bin Jassim for defense studies Academy
Mohammed bin Ghanem Al-Ghanim Naval Academy in cooperation with Piri Reis University Turkey
*Above information is taken from: Universities in Qatar
Last updated 11 October 2022
Studying in UAE/ Middle East
Studying in the U.K.
Overview
Most degrees in the UK can be completed in three years, however, in Scotland, the usual length is four years. In the U.K. students must indicate their course of study when they apply. The student must be prepared to launch into a specific course of study and stay with it for three years until degree completion. If the student changes their mind about their course, they have to reapply to a different course, and would likely have to begin their degree over from the beginning. For this reason, students who are not certain of their interests may not be a good match for studying in the UK.
Another option is to enroll in a foundation programme. "Foundation programmes are for school-leavers who have studied a non-British curriculum but wish to pursue a degree at a UK university. The foundation course acts as a bridge between your current qualifications and UK university undergraduate entry requirements and is designed to plug academic gaps, improve your English and familiarise you with UK life and culture in preparation for university." (Study in UK website) requirements There are some foundation programmes that lead directly into a course of study at a particular university, and others are stand-alone programmes that equip the student to then apply through UCAS to a particular course of study for the following year.
Application process and requirements
UCAS application process
UCAS is the central platform for university applications in the UK. Applicants choose up to five courses to apply to. They can be courses at five different universities, or different courses can be chosen at the same university. Either way, applicants are limited to five course choices through the UCAS platform. If a student wants to study medicine or other clinical courses, they are limited to four choices. Once the application is completed, UCAS submits the application to the universities that the student has indicated. Universities will then decide, and the decision will be posted in the student's UCAS portal.
UK universities extend “conditional offers” of admission which are usually contingent upon earning specific IB exam scores in particular subjects. For example, if you apply for a chemistry course, you would need to be taking Chemistry HL and Math HL or SL and earn particular scores on both exams.
Each time a UK university makes a decision on one of your applications, UCAS will post the offer in your account, including all the details. You will also eventually receive a formal offer in the mail. You cannot respond to any offers until you receive all of them. When the last decision is posted, speak with the counselor and then use your account to reply to your offers. You will be asked to respond to all of your offers (you could have as many as five) as “Firm,” “Insurance” or “Decline.” Choose one firm (if you meet the conditions you will accept this offer) and one insurance offer (if your firm choice conditions are not met, this is your backup choice); all others must be declined.
*Since most offers are conditional upon examination scores and you will not have received the exam results, this can be a difficult decision, so speak with your counselor.
Students who receive offers, but do not make the scores required by their firm or insurance offer can enter a process called “Clearing” in which they can compete for available places based on their actual IB scores. Clearing begins in mid-August.
Additional information:
Applying to University in the U.K. - How and When to Apply
Application Components
Online application through UCAS - Students need to use an ACS Doha buzzword to link the application to ACS Doha. Please contact your counselor to receive the ACS Doha buzzword.
Foundation Programmes
"Foundation programmes are for school-leavers who have studied a non-British curriculum but wish to pursue a degree at a UK university. The foundation course acts as a bridge between your current qualifications and UK university undergraduate entry requirements and is designed to plug academic gaps, improve your English and familiarise you with UK life and culture in preparation for university." (Study in UK website)
Foundation Courses in the U.K.
Application Deadlines
Since the UCAS application deadline for most applications is January 15th, your completed application must be submitted online no later than December 1st, so the reference can be added and the form submitted before school closes for the December holiday.
Oxford/Cambridge and UK Medicine Applications:
There are earlier deadlines for specific universities and courses. Students applying to Oxford or Cambridge must submit the UCAS form by October 15th to UCAS. If you plan to apply to Oxford or Cambridge, discuss this with the counselor at the end of Grade 11 in order to begin planning for submission of the work samples and entrance tests which are often required by these two institutions.
Students applying for Oxbridge as well as for Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science, and Veterinary Medicine courses must complete their applications by October 1st in order for the reference to be completed and the application to be sent to UCAS by the October 15th deadline. Interviews are almost always required for clinical courses.
UK Medicine Entrance Testing Information
Entrance Exams Registration Links:
Test Preparation and Information:
Amazing and very comprehensive site for students applying to Medicine in the UK.
Entrance exam information for medical universities in Europe, UK, and other countries
Test Centres in Qatar (UCAT/BMAT)
Al-Attiya Computer & Technology
125 Al Bustan Street
9273 Doha
Qatar
19.4 mi
Family Computers
Al Dahiya Street
Bldg#65, Zone#13
Al Rayyan Complex, Al Rayyan Road
14337 Doha
Qatar
Finding Schools
Going to the UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) website and clicking on "Course Search" is the best place to begin the research process. As you find courses of interest, you will click on a university and look at the side menu to find "Entry Requirements." This will indicate the predicted points needed in the IB diploma to be given an offer for this course.
We also encourage you to use your account in BridgeU to research and bookmark UK universities.
Other helpful resources:
http://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk
Studying in the U.S.
Overview
In the United States, you usually do not have to decide what to study before you enter college or university. However, you may need to complete standardized tests as a part of the application process (SAT or ACT and Language Proficiency results IELTS, TOEFL, DuoLingo, etc...). Most schools have a holistic admissions review process which means that they consider many variables when reviewing your application. Colleges and universities care about your academic status and potential, but also they are interested in who you are, and the kind of impact you've made within your school and outside of the classroom.
Overall, it is very important to research and plan for the individual application requirements and timelines for each school you intend to apply to.
Application process and requirements
Application Components
Biographical Information
High School Academic Record (Grades 9 - 12)
Standardized test scores (requirements vary by school)
Essay or Personal Statement
Writing supplements (for some)
Extracurricular Activities
Teacher Recommendation Letters
Counselor Recommendation Letter
Application Deadlines
Application deadlines vary by institution and can be between November - April (MAKE SURE TO DO YOUR RESEARCH!)
Early Admission Deadlines
Early Decision I & II (Binding) - earlier application deadline that is a binding contract if the college extends an offer
Early Action (Not binding) - earlier application deadline that results in an earlier admissions decision, however it is
not a binding contract if an offer is extended
Regular Admission - regular application deadline
Rolling Admission - colleges review applications on an ongoing basis
College Entrance Testing Information - SAT/ACT
It is important for students to research the testing requirements for EACH school that they intend to apply to.
The following are possible testing policies a university may have:
Required - submitting SAT or ACT scores are necessary to complete the application
Test-optional - the university leaves it up to the student if they would like to submit these test scores to be considered in their application
Test-blind - the university will not consider SAT or ACT scores, even if they are submitted to the university
Prep Scholar article containing list of test-optional schools
Writing essays
Most applications will require students to submit a written essay. When using an application portal, the main essay will be sent to any/all schools that are applied to through that portal. There are typically writing prompts given and students must choose a prompt(s) to respond to.
Individual schools may have supplemental or additional essays or written responses to submit.
2023 - 2024 Common App Essay Prompts
Coalition Application Essay Prompts
University of California Personal Insight Questions
See more information on the Writing Essays page.
Recommendation Letters
In the spring of Grade 11, students will request two subject teachers they currently have to consider writing a letter of recommendation for their college applications. The details and forms for this process will be provided to the students at the proper time.
The teacher's letters of recommendation will describe the student's engagement in learning in the classroom. It is important for students to remember that each day that they attend class and engage with their teacher, they are providing material for what can be said in their recommendation letters.
The counsellor's letter of recommendation contains information about the student overall as a community member and can also provide contextual information for adverse circumstances that may have impacted the student.
See more information on the Letters of Recommendation page.
Application Portals
Many applications are sent through online application portals. Students can apply to separate universities within these application portals:
Other systems that serve as a portal for a group of schools:
You can also often apply directly through the university website, unless directed otherwise.
*Each university has a separate application fee. Cost can be between $25 - $100 per application
Finding Schools
The following sites can be used to research schools that could be a potential fit:
BridgeU through ACS Doha student account
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/college-search
https://www.princetonreview.com/college-education?ceid=nav-1-es
https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
https://www.collegexpress.com/college/search/
https://www.niche.com/colleges/search/best-colleges/
https://www.unigo.com/college-match
https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/college-search
https://www.affordablecollegesonline.org/
Scholarships and Financial Aid information
https://www.internationalscholarships.com/
https://www.collegeessayguy.com/blog/financial-aid-international-students
Other helpful resources:
Tips and Resources for Learning How to Apply to College in the USA for International Student
Additional International Resources
Page updated
Report abuse